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Welcome Trudy Scott, author and certified nutritionist to the blog.This post is part of a series that covers the many ways in which nutrition, digestive health and mood are related. We hope that you find it helpful. If there are any topics that you would like to see covered, leave us a comment and we will try to add them to our series too!

The targeted use of individual amino acid supplements will balance brain chemistry to alleviate anxiety, fear, worry, panic attacks, and feeling stressed or overwhelmed. They can also be helpful in addressing other problems that contribute to or exacerbate anxiety, such as sugar cravings and addictions. In addition, they can help with depression and insomnia, which often co-occur with anxiety. When you balance your brain chemistry, not only will you alleviate symptoms of anxiety, you’ll also have a great mood, eliminate cravings, sleep well, and have good energy and mental focus.

Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire

Check off the symptoms below that best describe your struggles with mood. Worry and anxiety can be a result of low GABA and also low serotonin, so you may check off anxiety in both sections. Low GABA tends to result in a more physical anxiety, while low serotonin tends to result in more anxiety in the head, ruminating thoughts etc.

Amino Acid Supplements

There are some precautions to be aware of when taking supplemental amino acids. Be sure to check out the Amino Acid Precautions here and work with a knowledgeable practitioner if necessary.

Individual amino acids are used based on the above questionnaires and the results are profound and often felt within a few minutes:

GABA for low serotonin

Tryptophan or 5-HTP for low serotonin

DPA for low endorphins

Tyrosine for low catecholamines

Glutamine for low blood sugar

Here is a common question I get:

“My husband answered Yes to a lot of these questions from each category – some more, and some less. Here’s to give you an idea: GABA (6), Serotonin (13), Catecholamines (8), Endorphins (5), Sugar (3). Would you say that the best way to supplement would be to start with the highest ranking one, and then work on each area one at a time? Or an integrated approach to address all at the same time would make more sense? I would love to hear your thoughts on it.”

I like to deal with one area at a time so you can feel and observe the effects. I have my clients pick the area that is most bothersome and start there, typically working on calming and sleep first (so addressing low GABA, low serotonin and blood sugar balance) before boosting catecholamines which may increase anxiety. That being said, one of my clients felt much calmer once we addressed her low catecholamines (bad focus, low energy and ADD). So it really is individualized.

Using targeted individual amino acid supplements is the most effective approach I use with my anxious clients. I love that the effects are so quick and that they feel hope from the first session.

I get feedback like this all the time: “these are miracles”, “tryptophan is my new best friend” and “I can’t remember when I last felt this good.”

About the Author

Food Mood Expert Trudy Scott is a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower anxious individuals worldwide about natural solutions for anxiety, stress and emotional eating. Trudy serves as a catalyst in bringing about life enhancing transformations that start with the healing powers of eating real whole food, using individually targeted supplementation and making simple lifestyle changes. She works primarily with women but the information she offers works equally well for men and children.

Trudy is passionate about sharing the powerful food mood connection because she experienced the results first-hand, finding complete resolution of her anxiety and panic attacks.

Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose,treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consumers are advised to do their own research.